Why every hiker needs our new Android smartwatch app

Posted on 21/04/2017

ViewRanger for Android Wear 2.0 was released as a free app update last week, putting the world’s best outdoor maps directly on your wrist. But what’s so good about it, and why do you need it on your next adventure?

You’ll get the world’s best outdoor maps on your wristAs well as free maps covering the whole world, you can download the best topographic mapping for 23 countries directly to your smartwatch. Whether you like exploring the UK’s hills and mountains; backpacking through US National Parks; hiking in the European Alps; discovering the peaks, glaciers and fjords of New Zealand; or birdwatching on the Atlantic island of Madeira; ViewRanger’s detailed topographic maps will take you there.

It doesn’t just tell you where you are – it shows you where you are Tracking your movements on phone maps is nothing new, but ViewRanger for Android Wear 2.0 takes that to a whole new level by delivering the same functionality on your smartwatch. Whether you’re following a ViewRanger route or simply recording your own movements, the app will pinpoint your precise location on the map.

You can navigate with your hands freeThe days of stopping at every turn in the trail to unfold your map or fire up your phone could soon be over, because with ViewRanger for Android Wear 2.0 all you need to do is glance at your wrist to navigate. As soon you raise your arm the watch app automatically opens, displaying your map position and providing key stats about your trip – including GPS coordinates, altitude, distance and duration.

There are millions of adventures to discoverMore than 6 million adventures have been in shared in the ViewRanger app, including detailed route guides covering the world’s best outdoor locations. Download and follow routes from top publishers such as Backpacker magazine, BBC Countryfile, the Italian Alpine Club, and Julia Bradbury, or create your own routes to follow.

You can keep your phone safely in your backpackOnce you’ve paired your phone and watch and opened the ViewRanger app, you can stash your phone safely in your backpack or pocket and forget all about it. The watch app allows you to navigate with just a quick glance at your wrist, safe in the knowledge your phone is there as back-up if you need it.

It’s built for the CASIO PRO TREK Smart watchThe CASIO PRO TREK Smart is the outdoor smartwatch you’ve been waiting for. With its military-grade durability, built-in barometer, power-saving GPS chip, dual screen technology, and chunky buttons that make it easy to operate even with gloves on – all combined with Android Wear software and ViewRanger’s maps and navigation features – it’s the ideal rugged smartwatch package for outdoor enthusiasts.